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Dubai traffic lights to be controlled via 3G

Technology eliminates lag in timing of signals and is cost-efficient

Dubai - In a bid to transform Dubai into a smart city, all 408 traffic lights in the emirate have been linked to the Dubai Traffic Control Centre using 3G technology.
Isolated traffic signals have been linked through wireless technology, accomplishing the shifting of traffic signals' connectivity in Dubai from cables to wireless systems. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai announced the completion of connecting all traffic signals in Dubai on Monday.
"The project is part of Dubai Government's initiative to transform Dubai into a smart city. It involved replacing the cables used in linking traffic signals with the traffic control centre in Dubai by a wireless network, besides linking isolated signals with the Center using 3G technology," said Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency.
"The new system has high usability and efficiency, and is easily maintained. It eliminates the lag in the timing of traffic signals, and is considered cost-efficient compared to the previous situation, which required an intensive infrastructure in terms of cables, telephone lines to run the service nearby each signal," said Bin Udai. "Thus the project saves the cost of providing these lines along with the risks of losing connectivity in case of any technical glitches or physical malfunctioning," she stated.
Officials said that the benefits of the new system include remotely controlling the timing of traffic signals and managing them to cope with the changes in the traffic flow.
The system enables diagnosing, managing and synchronisation of the timing of the Cableless Linking Facility (CLF) Plans to ensure the efficient and optimal functioning of the traffic signals control systems.
"If there is a need for additional traffic signals, they can be easily and quickly linked with the control centre at a cost lower than previously incurred when telephone lines were used," added Bin Udai.
"RTA is mobilising all its resources to realise the drive of our prudent government to turn Dubai into a smart city, especially as this system has the potential of enhancing the profile of Dubai as it is implemented for the first time across the world," said Bin Udai.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com